You’ve just landed in a new country, you activate your Yoho Mobile eSIM for affordable, high-speed data, and suddenly… you can’t receive calls or text messages on your primary phone number. It’s a frustrating scenario, but don’t worry—your primary SIM isn’t broken, and this is a very common and easily fixable issue.
This problem almost always comes down to your phone’s dual SIM settings. Your device just needs to be told exactly how to use both lines simultaneously. Before we dive into the fix, if you’re still planning your trip and looking for the most flexible and reliable way to stay connected, check out Yoho Mobile’s flexible eSIM plans.
Understanding How Dual SIM Works
Modern smartphones with dual SIM capability (using one physical SIM and one eSIM) are fantastic for travel. They let you use a local data plan, like a Yoho Mobile eSIM, to avoid expensive international roaming charges while keeping your primary number active for calls, SMS, and important verification codes.
The confusion happens when your phone doesn’t know which line to use for which purpose. When you activate an eSIM and set it for data, your phone might get confused about which line should handle calls and texts. A few simple tweaks in your settings will resolve this.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Primary SIM Issues
Follow these steps to get both your primary SIM and your Yoho eSIM working in perfect harmony. These instructions are primarily for iOS, but Android settings are very similar.
1. Label Your Cellular Plans
Clarity is key. If you haven’t already, label your SIMs to avoid confusion.
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Tap on your primary plan and select Cellular Plan Label. Name it something clear like “Primary” or “Home”.
- Tap on your Yoho Mobile eSIM and label it “Travel Data” or “Yoho eSIM”.
2. Configure Your Default Lines Correctly
This is the most crucial step. You need to tell your phone which SIM does what.
- Go to Settings > Cellular.
- Set Default Voice Line to Primary. This ensures all incoming and outgoing calls use your main phone number.
- Set Cellular Data to your Yoho eSIM. This tells your phone to use the eSIM for all internet-related activities.
- For iMessage & FaceTime, you’ll be prompted to select a line. It’s usually best to keep this associated with your primary number.
3. Check “Allow Cellular Data Switching”
In the Cellular Data menu, you’ll see an option called “Allow Cellular Data Switching.”
- If enabled: Your phone can use your Yoho eSIM data for voice-related features on your primary line (like Wi-Fi Calling) if you’re in an area with poor voice coverage.
- If disabled: Your phone will strictly use the eSIM for data only.
For most travelers, leaving this enabled is fine. However, if you are still facing issues, try toggling it off to see if it resolves the conflict.
4. For Android Users
Android settings can vary by manufacturer, but the principle is the same.
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (or similar).
- You should see both your physical SIM and your eSIM listed.
- Find the settings for Calls and SMS. Set both to your Primary SIM.
- Find the setting for Mobile data and set it to your Yoho Mobile eSIM.
Once these settings are correct, restart your phone. This simple action can often resolve any lingering connectivity problems.
Proactive Tips for a Smooth Dual SIM Experience
To avoid any stress when you land, follow these tips:
- Set Up Before You Go: Configure these settings at home before your trip begins.
- Confirm Compatibility: Ensure your device is on our eSIM compatible devices list for a seamless experience.
- Travel with Confidence: With Yoho Mobile, installation is a breeze. iOS users can install their eSIM in under a minute with a single tap—no QR codes needed! And with services like Yoho Care, you have a safety net that ensures you’re never left disconnected, even if you run out of data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can’t I receive calls on my primary number after activating my travel eSIM?
This usually happens because your phone’s settings for the ‘Default Voice Line’ have been changed or are not explicitly set. By navigating to your phone’s cellular settings and assigning your primary SIM as the default for voice calls, you can immediately fix this issue while keeping your eSIM active for data.
Can I receive SMS on my primary SIM while using Yoho eSIM for data abroad?
Absolutely. As long as your primary line is turned on in your cellular settings and configured as your default voice line, you will continue to receive SMS messages. Standard SMS does not require data. This is crucial for receiving two-factor authentication (2FA) codes from your bank.
Do I need to turn on data roaming for my primary SIM?
No, and you should ensure it is turned OFF to avoid expensive charges from your home carrier. Go to Settings > Cellular > [Your Primary SIM] and make sure the Data Roaming toggle is switched off. Your data connection will be handled entirely by your Yoho Mobile eSIM.
What should I do if my primary SIM still has no service after checking the settings?
First, restart your phone. If that doesn’t work, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off. As a last resort, physically remove and re-insert your primary SIM to ensure it’s seated correctly. If the issue persists, it might be a problem with your home carrier’s roaming agreements in that specific country, but this is rare.
Conclusion
The power of dual SIM technology makes travel more convenient and affordable than ever. A primary SIM not working after you activate an eSIM is just a small settings hurdle, not a technical failure. By correctly assigning your primary line for voice and your Yoho eSIM for data, you get the best of both worlds: staying connected to loved ones on your original number while enjoying fast, local data rates.
Ready for a worry-free travel experience? Explore Yoho Mobile’s eSIM plans for over 200 countries and regions and travel smarter.